Metal hydroxides based actuator with polymeric supporting film

Abstract

Disclosed are actuators containing an active layer comprising at least one metal hydroxide, the active layer having a first volume under no stimulation and a second volume either greater than or smaller than the first volume under stimulation; and a passive layer comprising a porous polymer membrane, the passive layer having an elastic modulus at least half of an elastic modulus of the active layer.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An actuator, comprising:
 an active layer comprising at least one metal hydroxide, the active layer having a first volume under no stimulation and a second volume different from the first volume under stimulation; and 
 a passive layer comprising a porous polymer membrane, the passive layer having an elastic modulus at least half of an elastic modulus of the active layer. 
 
     
     
       2. The actuator according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one metal hydroxide comprises at least one metal selected from the group of nickel, cobalt, manganese, iron, aluminum, copper, and magnesium. 
     
     
       3. The actuator according to  claim 1 , wherein the porous polymer membrane comprises a polycarbonate or a polyester. 
     
     
       4. The actuator according to  claim 1 , wherein the stimulation is voltage, current, light, heat, or humidity or a combination of one, two or more stimulants. 
     
     
       5. A method of making an actuator, comprising:
 electrodepositing at a temperature above room temperature at least one metal hydroxide to form an active layer on a passive layer comprising a porous polymer membrane, the active layer having a first volume under no stimulation and a second volume different from the first volume under stimulation, the passive layer having an elastic modulus at least half of an elastic modulus of the active layer.